Display Using a Three-Dimensional vision System

Abstract

An interactive video display system allows a physical object to interact with a virtual object. A light source delivers a pattern of invisible light to a three-dimensional space occupied by the physical object. A camera detects invisible light scattered by the physical object. A computer system analyzes information generated by the camera, maps the position of the physical object in the three-dimensional space, and generates a responsive image that includes the virtual object. A display presents the responsive image.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60 / 922,873 filed Apr. 10, 2007 and entitled “Display Using a Three-Dimensional Vision System,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to interactive media. More specifically, the present invention relates to providing a display using a three-dimensional vision system.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]Traditionally, human interaction with video display systems has required users to employ devices such as hand-held remote controls, keyboards, mice, and joystick controls. An interactive video display system allows real-time, human interaction with images generated and displayed by the system without employing such devices.[0006]While existing interactive video display systems allow real-time, human interactions, such displays are limited in many wa...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While existing interactive video display systems allow real-time, human interactions, such displays are limited in many ways.

The specialized hardware may be inconvenient and prone to damage or loss.

Further, the specialized hardware may require frequent battery replacement.

Specialized hardware, too, may provide a limited number of points to be tracked by the existing interactive video systems, thus limiting the usefulness and reliability in interacting with the entire body of a user or with multiple users.

Certain existing camera-based interactive video systems may be limited in the range of motions of the user that can be tracked.

Additionally, some camera-based systems only allow for body parts that are moving to be tracked rather than the entire body.

In some instances, distance information may not be detected (i.e., the system may not provide for depth perception).

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